Watermelon is a sweet, refreshing, low-calorie summer snack. Provides hydration as well as essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Watermelon contains many nutrients as we mentioned here in the benefits, harms and nutrients of watermelon, but in this article we will talk about a great benefit which is for erectile dysfunction.
Can watermelon treat erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition in men, especially as they age. Prescription medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), can help stimulate blood flow to the penis to help resolve ED.
There are also many herbal supplements and natural remedies that are marketed as alternative treatments for ED.
One such product is derived from summer food: watermelon. This is due to the presence of an amino acid in watermelon called L-citrulline. L-citrulline is said to stimulate blood flow to the penis.
The research surrounding L-citrulline is not conclusive enough to prove that watermelon should be your method of treatment for managing ED symptoms.
Why watermelon can help with ED?
Watermelon contains high amounts of L-citrulline. This is a non-essential amino acid.
Once absorbed by the nitric oxide system, it promotes dilation of blood vessels. As a result, your blood pressure drops. The blood flow also improves.
L-citrulline may help stimulate enzymes called cGMPs. They play a direct role in blood flow. It is believed that more consumption of L-citrulline can help improve ED.
Unscientific accounts of L-citrulline abound on the Internet, especially by dietary supplement manufacturers.
In terms of scientific data, some studies have looked at the role of L-citrulline in ED. One study published in Urology found that 24 men who took a supplement over the course of a month saw improvements in mild erectile dysfunction symptoms (source).
Another study looked at the effect of watermelon extract on the sexual activity of male rats and found an increase in activity.
More long-term research needs to be done to explore the overall efficacy and safety of L-citrulline.
Note: You should only take L-citrulline supplements with your doctor's approval.